Congo is an important nesting and feeding site for marine turtles. Five of the eight marine turtle species frequent these coasts, and beach monitoring carried out in recent years has already demonstrated the international importance of the adjoining beaches of Congo and Gabon for leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting. The presence of olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), a species classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List, along Congolese beaches is also notable.
However, the hunting of nesting females and the pillaging of nests for trade remain common practices in the country, directly threatening the survival of these species. In addition, existing scientific data on these species in Congo is still very recent. Much remains to be discovered about these migratory animals and their way of life along the country’s coastline.
The NGO Rénatura has been running a study and protection programme for 5 years.
The project aims to improve knowledge of turtles and their presence along the Congolese coast, to conserve these species, to offer an alternative to the consumption of turtles caught in fishing nets along the entire coastline, to strengthen information and education among coastal residents, and to provide local communities with new sources of income (craftwork and wildlife-watching tourism).
Rénatura’s first priority is to continue and expand its scientific study and conservation activities for these animals. It also wishes to expand its work releasing marine turtles caught in fishing nets, which has met with unexpected success.